Wildfires continue to affect parts of Europe and the UK as summer 2026 sees record-breaking temperatures. Emergency services are actively battling blazes and managing evacuations in regions including Spain, France, Greece, Portugal, and the UK.
In France, wildfires that advanced on Bordeaux have impacted an area four times the size of Paris. As of 30 July, tens of thousands of residents and travellers have been permitted to return to their homes and residences in the Gironde region.
Spanish authorities report that a significant fire west of Madrid is largely contained, though it persists to some extent. A smaller fire is also ongoing near Valencia. Due to the number of fires and sustained high temperatures, Spain's interior ministry has designated much of northern Spain a 'red zone' at risk of further fires this summer.
Greece has seen wildfires on Crete, Paros, and Lesbos, with three firefighters reportedly dying on Crete. In the UK, firefighters are addressing a wildfire in Suffolk, which has led to evacuations.
The UK's Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) advises checking official travel advice for specific regions before a trip. The European Forest Fire Information System (EFFIS) offers tools for tracking wildfires and assessing risk levels.